FRIESIAN HORSES

As the name suggests, the Friesian Horse comes from Friesland in the Northern Netherlands. It is assumed that the breed came from the primitive forest horse. The Friesian has a known history of 400-600 years.

The Romans took the Friesian horse to England, and it might have influenced other horse breeds, including the Shire Horse, Clydesdale, Fell pony, and Dale pony.

In the Middle Ages, the horse was used to carry the Knights, who had heavy armour, into battles because of the Friesian's size and strength. A suit of armour could weigh well over 100 pounds. The horses' stylish appearance might have influenced the knights' decision to use them, also.

In the 12th and 13th century, through the crusaders, the eastern horses were mated with the Friesians. From the15th century until the 17th century, when the Netherlands linked with Spain, the demand for heavy war horses decreased as the battle armour changed. Andalusian blood was added to lighten the weight, and they became suitable for work as an urban carriage horse.

Friesian horses were also used in France and Spain by high dressage schools. They are still popular for their gentle temperament and their graceful appearance. Friesians have glossy black coats and long, wavy manes and tails. They have a pronounced high-stepping gait that is especially noticeable at the trot. These handsome mounts have long necks, expressive eyes, and small ears.

There are two basic types of Friesians - the baroque and the modern. Baroque Friesians have the typical body type of the original breed, with heavier bone and more substance. The modern Friesian is more of a sports horse, with more refinement and more height than its heavier cousin. With their beautiful heads, powerful bodies, and graceful movement, Friesians are gaining popularity in the United States, as well as in Europe. They can often be seen in the show ring, especially in dressage competitions. By doing a quick search on the internet for "Friesians for sale," you'll see that these horses are often very expensive.